Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon; Photo: Stones Throw
The Koreatown Oddity is an LA-based lyricist/producer who according to his bio “specializes in raw hip-hop shit.” There’s no exaggeration to his statement, he’s a Lamar Odom-type talent who can do a little bit of everything; pound out a bone breaking beat one moment and then kick a fierce verse the next, all without breaking stride.
The Koreatown Oddity pulls inspiration from ever corner of his existence. As a rising force in the LA rap scene, he would turn heads by throwing impromptu shows wherever he saw fit; in a Wendy’s, in front of a Greyhound station, at record fairs. The world is his stage and that type of raw, fearless energy is the current that illuminates his perspective.
“The process for me has stayed the same, but I just have become better and more connected with my procedure of creating as the years have gone on,” said TKO about his writing process.
“For me life is a unique experience, happening all the time to be inspired by because I’m paying close attention to things people say or what I’m seeing and hearing in my environment; at the record store, walking down the block, eating a bag of raw cashews in the park etc. My perspective on what is happening in the world will never let me follow trends because the creativity won’t fit in a box.”
“Yesterday’s News” is a reflection of TKO’s depth. The visuals alone are stunning, him standing between his parents blindfolded while a cop is pointing a rifle at him. But it’s what he’s saying that is most captivating; life is finite and he’s approaching it with a profound sense of purpose. The urgency is felt in every verse, and it electrifies the spirit with its piercing honesty: [LISTEN]
“I’m always writing in my mind throughout the day everyday,” said TKO when asked how he stays sharp. “Concepts, patterns, or even just lines will just come to me. Some I jot down and some I continue to build on in my head for days or weeks. Sometimes a record, conversation, movie, or dope artwork could spark thoughts to rap.”
TKO is a reservoir of creativity. He’s always pressing forward, ensuring that he stays ahead of the curve. If donning a wolf mask during performances doesn’t tell you that he’s unconventional then his debut under Stones Throw, Finna Be Past Tense, will.
He partners with Vex Ruffin who crafts beats like Poe does poems; macabre, post-apocalyptic and refined. It’s a wicked combination of styles, an admixture of Wu-Tang and Black Flag. A sonic bibimbop, that embraces multiple flavors.
“Political and social climate naturally weaves itself into my work through emotion, I don’t force it,” said TKO. “Bars seem to develop on their own out of thin air. Your point of view can be what makes people think different about the things going on in the world and maybe inspire some folks too.”
“Mood of the Grind” captures The Koreatown Oddity’s state of mind. He’s painfully aware of mortality, but it doesn’t mean he’s not going to throw caution to the wind and have fun while doing it. He’s a free spirit motivated by history: [LISTEN]
The Koreatown Oddity is a raging star who knows that the endgame is a supernova. There’s no sense in categorizing him because he’s determined to chart out his own path, defying conventional wisdom every step of the way. For naysayers, The Koreatown Oddity embodies the progressive spirit that turned rap from a niche genre to a world wide phenomena. A trailblazer with a bright future ahead.
“The future of hip-hop is great and there is some shit for everybody,” said TKO. “I ain’t even trippin’ bout what’s conscious or pop. Dope shit is timeless and that’s all that matters. I’m about that timeless shit. There’s a lot of ill music out there I fuck with, and the rest I ignore or just laugh at for fun and entertainment.”